Impact of Academic Skills on Electronic Tool Use and Gain Scores in an Online Mathematics Program

• In Event: Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: Self-Efficacy, Motivation, Knowledge, and Understanding

Abstract

This study explored the relationships between students’ prior academic skills, active electronic support tool use, and their gain scores in a supplemental, online mathematics program. Active electronic support tools (e.g. hyperlinks, audio support, calculators) supplement what is presented on the main page of a computer-based program and students may or may not choose to use them. Results from correlational analyses prompted an examination of the pathways between variables using a structural equation model (SEM). Results from the SEM analysis demonstrated that electronic tool use mediated the relationship between prior academic skills and gain scores. Students who had lesser academic skills initially were more likely to use the tools and gained as much as students who had higher skills.

Authors

• Lindy L. Crawford, Texas Christian University

• Kristina Higgins, Texas Christian University

• Jacqueline Huscroft-D'Angelo, Texas Christian University

• Lindsay Hall, Texas Christian University